For Immediate Release

Old Pros Band Announces New Conductor

11/6/2012

Dean Chipatto of Floyd has been announced as the new conductor of The Old Pros Big Band Orchestra of New River Community College.

Chipatto grew up in a musical family in Chicago, Ill. He studied trombone and music education at DePaul University in Chicago. Throughout his career he has played trombone, baritone and conducted a variety of groups. Chipatto came to the New River Valley to teach music in the Floyd County school system. He continues to conduct and play with various groups throughout the area and currently works in the insurance industry.

The Old Pros Band, an all-volunteer organization, was formed in January 1973 by a group of musicians interested in preserving and playing the sounds of the Big Band Era. Much of the music in the repertoire is associated with artists such as Glenn Miller, Count Basie and Duke Ellington, as well as today's modern sounds.

The band members invite the public to join them in welcoming their new conductor, Dean Chipatto, at the Pulaski Theater on Saturday, November 10, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. in a Veterans Day salute sponsored by the Pulaski Elks' Club.